Key highlights from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, including Gaggan’s return to the top and a posthumous award for the late Margarita Forés
Gaggan in Bangkok is back on top of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, marking the fifth time that the Indian chef’s eponymous restaurant has become the toast of Asia’s restaurant scene.
“Thanks to all who believe in us. Please don’t come to judge our hardship as the best restaurant… rather come enjoy our art from heart let there be music lights food and socials in our food opera. We promise u good memories and good times,” he wrote on Instagram.
Gaggan was crowned Asia’s best from 2015 to 2018 and in late 2019 moved forward with a “reimagined version of his culinary concept.” The restaurant re-entered the list in 2023 at No. 5 before rising to No. 3 last year and eventually reaching the top spot this year, thanks to his “creative excellence and boundary-pushing gastronomy” presented across a fun, opera-like 20+ course menu.
“This year’s ranking presents a remarkable tapestry of dining establishments across 16 cities, with seven new entries showcasing the exceptional talent and innovative spirit that define Asia’s culinary landscape,” William Drew, director of content at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, says. “Heartfelt congratulations to all the featured restaurants, particularly chef Gaggan Anand and his team at Gaggan, who have impressively secured the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia once again.”
“This year’s ranking presents a remarkable tapestry of dining establishments across 16 cities, with seven new entries showcasing the exceptional talent and innovative spirit that define Asia’s culinary landscape,” William Drew, director of content at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, says
Michel Beneventi, global head of international premium brands at S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, says: “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and creativity that define the region’s culinary scene. Congratulations to the winners and to all the restaurants on this year’s list—we look forward to seeing how your vision and expertise will shape the future of fine dining.”
Just behind Gaggan is 2023 winner The Chairman and Vicky Cheng’s Wing, both from Hong Kong. Last year’s top restaurant, Sézanne from Tokyo, came in fourth while Seoul’s Mingles rounded out the top five.
Toyo Eatery meanwhile remains as the sole Philippine restaurant on the Top 50 list, landing at No. 42 (from last year’s 24th spot) to retain its position as the best restaurant in the Philippines. Jordy and May Navarra were also awarded the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award for welcoming guests in a deeply Filipino way—as if they are welcoming them into their home. Elsewhere, Gallery by Chele re-enters the extended 51-100 list, coming in at No. 72 for his “modern interpretations of Philippine ingredients.”
The late Margarita Forés, who was Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, was posthumously honored with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award for her transformative influence in the culinary world and her legacy in elevating Filipino cuisine and hospitality.
Her son Amado Forés, who himself is a force in the Philippine restaurant industry with his range of successful brands under his own AF Hospitality group like A Mano (stylized as a mano), Ramen Ron, and Steak & Frice, received the award onstage in Seoul.
“Thank you so much for honoring my mom with this award and beautiful tribute. She truly cherished these gatherings—sharing meals, celebrating your successes, and being surrounded by those who shared her passion,” Amado said. “My mom always said her life’s purpose was simple: to make the world more beautiful and delicious for others, and I’m grateful to 50 Best for giving her a larger platform to do that.”
View the full list below:
